Nanogeochemistry: Nanostructures and their Reactivity in Natural Systems

Abstract

Nanophases and nanostructures are widely present in natural environments. As a newly emerging research area, nanogeochemistry studies the formation and the reactivity of these nanophases and nanostructures as well as their controls on geochemical reactions and mass transfer. Nanogeochemical study will provide a key linkage between the molecular - level understanding of geochemical processes and the macro - scale laboratory and fi eld observations. The study will also possibly lead to the design of new materials and chemical processes for effective natural - resource extraction and environmental management. Nanogeochemistry is still in its infant stage. ' There ' s plenty of room ' in this area for geochemists to explore. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.